AN iconic canalside pub beloved of Crop Circle fans, but with a troubled past, has announced it is to re-open tomorrow.

New owner of The Barge at Honey Street, near Pewsey, Alistair Sinclair is to run it with his wife Sheila, son Brendan and daughter-in-law Jen.

People have been eagerly awaiting the re-opening since it was announced earlier this year that the family had bought the pub and camp site.

Now they have announced that tomorrow is the big day and the doors will re-open at 11am.

Mr Sinclair said: “He said: “Having sold my business with the intention of retiring I had not considered buying a pub but this one is dear to my heart.

“June and Adrian Potts successfully ran The Barge for 17 years and it was a place where all, including campers, boaters, families, and the local community, were welcome. I want to return it to those days, and we have the additional facility of the barn which I believe offers a wealth of other possibilities.”

The re-opening has been welcomed by boaters. A spokesman for the Kennet and Avon Boating Community association said: “Once more the pub will be a meeting point for the boating community, crop circle enthusiasts, campers and an eclectic range of other local people and visitors. Come to the party.”

A number of people took to social media worried that the campsite would not be ready for the opening weekend. But Jen Sinclair said: “We are not taking bookings for the opening weekend so camping will be first come first serve and will be in the field only.

“The field is still a bit lumpy but we are sure it will be adequate spot be it in tent or van.”

The pub closed last year and in December it was put on the market with a guide price of £550,000. In 2010 the Barge had been bought by the community with the help of a Lottery grant .

In 2016 it was taken over by Pietro Cuomo who wanted to turn it into a wine bar.